A memorial on Gratiot and Russell in Detroit for two men that were killed in a hit and run over the weekend, James Van Horn and Michael Alston. / Jessica J. Trevino/DFP

Written by

Tammy Stables Battaglia

Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

Amanda Hofbauer, 27 of Detroit takes a photo at a makeshift memorial near Comerica Park in Detroit for two men who were killed in a hit and run over the weekend near Gratiot and Russell, James Van Horn and (Dreadlock) Mike Alston. / Jessica J. Trevino/Detroit Free Press

Facebook page of Find the Hit and Run Killer of Two Detroit Icons.

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The funeral for the “Eat ’Em Up, Tigers” guy, James Van Horn, has been set for Friday, and his daughter says she’s amazed at the public outpouring of support after her father and another downtown staple, Dreadlock Mike, were killed by a hit-and-run driver.

The two men died after they were hit by a car near the intersection of Gratiot and Russell around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Investigators were still searching for the driver, Detroit Police spokewoman Sgt. Eren Stephens said today.

Police said they are looking for a dark-colored Dodge Avenger, with damage to its front end. Police also said the vehicle may have had an out-of-state license plate.

The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office said Monday the men have been identified as James Van Horn, 66, and Michael Alston, 55, known on the street as Dreadlock Mike.

News of their deaths spread quickly across social media, along with efforts to raise money for their funerals. Nearly $10,000 total had been raised by this afternoon through two separate efforts.

“It’s a true blessing,” said Paulette Van Horn-Shreve, 44, of Redford, one of Van Horn’s nine children. “He was truly loved and he loved people just as much as they loved him. I’m very surprised and truly blessed that this is happening for my father. The community has poured out their hearts to help our father and us, and we really appreciate it.”

The funeral for Van Horn will be at 11 a.m. Friday with a family hour beginning at 10 a.m. at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, 6330 Pembroke in Detroit, according to his daughter. Visitation will be Wednesday from a currently undetermined time through 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the C.W. Morris-J.W. Henry Funeral Home, 12700 Hamilton Ave., in Highland Park.

Services for Dreadlock Mike were still pending.

The pair were best-known for their presence outside Tigers games at Comerica Park. Van Horn would chant “Eat ’Em Up, Tigers,” his hand in a large green Hulk hand holding a cup for strangers’ spare change. Dreadlock Mike was known for his long, distinctive dreadlocks and steely eyes as he made his way through downtown in his wheelchair.

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Toledo-area accountant Corey Haskins, 27, a Tigers game regular, said his effort through a YouCaring.com site had raised about $3,300 for funeral expenses by this afternoon.

Down with Detroit co-owners Matthew Zebari and Patrick Duggan’s efforts selling $20 and $25 shirts emblazoned with “Eat ’Em Up Forever” and “Rest In Peace James and Mike” had raised about $6,000 by this afternoon.

“It’s surprising,” said Zebari, who said he and Duggan didn’t know the men personally. “It’s kind of bittersweet because it’s nice we’re able to do something to help out, but it’s unfortunate why it happened.”

Van Horn-Shreve said her father worked as a laborer for Chrysler when she was a child. After her mother and Van Horn divorced after having five children, he went on to father four more children with another woman, she said.

She said her father, who was living with others in a home not far from the accident site, was adamant about his independence.

“It was very hard because I offered to help my dad but he felt he was a man and did not want to be a burden on anybody,” she said. “And he didn’t want us to take care of him — he wanted to take care of himself.”

Van Horn-Shreve said she is praying for the driver who hit the two men.

“All of us feel that way — no matter what his circumstances, he didn’t have to die like that,” she said. “I pray for them (the driver) and I hope that they feel it in their heart to do the right thing and turn themselves in. How can they live with themselves after doing what they did?”

Anyone with information is asked to anonymously call CrimeStoppers at 800-SPEAKUP (800-773-2587).